DEWA partners with Silver Spring to improve smart grid connectivity

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) partnered with Silver Spring Networks to improve the connectivity of its water and electricity distribution assets.In a press statement, DEWA said it signed an agreement with Silver Spring Networks for the supply and installation of the company’s IPv-6 radio frequency network for connectivity of smart grid assets including smart water and electric meters and distribution automation sensors.

Silver Spring claims that its technology will provide DEWA with a secure and reliable connectivity of its smart grid assets throughout Dubai.

DEWA is planning to use the network for the introduction of new services including smart city services in future.

The utility says the technology will help it to meet targets set under the Smart Dubai Initiative.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA, said the partnership with Silver Spring Networks will help the utility achieve the objectives of its ‘Smart Applications through Smart Meters and Grids’ initiative, which enables DEWA to build a wide and integrated smart grid covering generation, transmission and distribution systems.

“The AED 7-billion smart grid is aligned with our other smart initiatives, including ‘Shams Dubai’ to install PV panels on buildings to generate electricity, and connect it to DEWA’s grid, and the ‘Green Charger’ initiative to establish the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations," said Al Tayer.

DEWA is investing heavily in programmes to improve its energy efficiency, demand response and clean energy portfolios to stabilise its grid network under efforts to accommodate the increasing number of EVs in its service territory.

Last week, DEWA said it will install some 100 EV charging stations to complete phase two of its EV infrastructure project.

In a press statement, the utility said the installation of the 100 EV charging ports will increase the number of EV charging stations installed under the company's EV infrastructure project, 'Green Charger', to 200.

DEWA launched the Green Charger programme in 2014 to increase its EV infrastructure and promote the adoption of EVs to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Read more...